Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on 26th July to commemorate India’s victory in the Kargil War. This day honors the sacrifice and bravery of Indian soldiers who fought tirelessly to reclaim Kargil from Pakistani forces, hoisting the tricolor on India’s borders.
How the City Got the Name Kargil
Kargil’s name is believed to be derived from two words: “Khar” and “Arkil.” “Khar” means palace and “Arkil” means centre, indicating a central place of importance among many dynasties. Another theory suggests that the name is a combination of “Gar” (any place) and “Khil” (central place), highlighting Kargil’s central location, equidistant from Skardo, Srinagar, and Leh.
“Aga’s Land” – Kargil City
Covering an area of 14,086 square kilometers, Kargil is situated 205 kilometers from Srinagar towards Leh. Known as ‘Aga’s Land,’ Kargil has a significant population of Shia Muslims, with the Agha people serving as religious heads and preachers in the region.
The Historical Background of Kargil
According to historian Parvez Dewan in his book ‘Kargil Blunder,’ Kargil was initially settled by a person named Kargil, who cleared the forests of the Shilikchay area and Poyene to establish his residence. The area was subsequently named after him. Gasho Thatha Khan, a descendant of the royal family of Gilgit, arrived later and founded a dynasty in Kargil in the early 8th century. His descendants ruled the Sod area before permanently settling in the Shakar Chiktan region.
This rich history and the enduring legacy of its brave warriors make Kargil a land of heroes, celebrated and remembered every year on Kargil Vijay Diwas.
